In a world marred by the horrors of armed conflict, the laws of war have never been more crucial. International humanitarian law aims to mitigate the devastating impacts of conflict on those who are not directly engaged in hostilities, striving to preserve humanity amidst the complexities of warfare. But as the world changes in response to advances in artificial intelligence, the environmental crises, and the demands for diversity and inclusion - a vital question looms: What is the future of those legal frameworks that strive to regulate armed conflict? Do they still protect those who are most in need? What do these laws say about protecting the environment during war, and do they need more work?

Join Dr Helen Durham AO to reflect on the emerging challenges of modern warfare and consider the role of international humanitarian law in reducing suffering during armed conflict.

Dr Helen Durham AO
Dr Helen Durham is a global expert in international humanitarian law, humanitarian action and diplomacy. From 2014 until 2022 she was Director of International law and Policy at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Previous to this role she was Director of Law, Research and Strategy at Australian Red Cross, regional legal adviser to the ICRC delegation to the Pacific and Head of Office ICRC Australia. Helen has also been Director of Research at the Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law as well as a teacher and supervisor in the Master program, Melbourne Law School. She has a Doctorate of Juridical Science in international law and an honours degree in Law and Arts. Helen has significant field experience in Asia and the Pacific, as well as engagement in the Middle East, Africa and diplomatic negotiations in NY, Brussels and Geneva.  She is widely published, in particular in the area of women and armed conflict. In 2017 she was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia.

The Future Battlefield: Is there a place for humanity?

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The Future Battlefield: Is there a place for humanity?

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